The Treeless Hammock, Bushcraft Stool, Knots and Gear

[@shinkter]

I have an incredible amount of respect for you. Every single person on youtube except you would edit out the part were the thing breaks immediately following you saying it will not break. When I want your videos, I know I am getting the real deal. I really appreciate that authenticity. Thank you.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

+Gerret Swearingen Thank you Gerret! I feel like the only way to keep it real, is to just cut the camera on and let what ever happen and film it. I get sick of people making things look easy or simple. They aint. LOL. Lots more to come, Thanks for watching

[@herzaventuras]

Thats why I follow this guy, authenticity even when things goes wrong... that works better, because you can have a better idea of what can happen when you are bushcrafting, and allows you to be better prepared. keep on going my friend. greetings.

[@natsirim499]

Garret...that was fun. Normal life thing. You're right... Was funny. Rubber does break down sometimes.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

First let me say Thank you for your service as a Marine. You have my respect Sir. I hate to hear about the injury, thats bad. I kinda hike different ways. Sometimes its minimalist, sometimes its improvising with junk and every once in awhile I'll fully load a back pack with all my homemade gear. I do prefer the minimalist deal tho. And thats the idea bro, Me putting ideas out there for others to use. modify or just keep in their heads. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@deadahead8701]

I watch your vids over n over they are never boring, I have learned so much from u, i don't like to talk crap but a lot of the other bush craft you tubers are vary boring, and they constantly talk crap on each other, I like that u never put anyone down, keep up to good work, thanks

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Josh. Brother I try to stay out of all the drama here on youtube. Ive seen a lot of them fights get out of hand on here so I just keep to myself and do my thang. LOL. Be good brother

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! Thats always good to hear. I have tried to make em shorter but, I just cant do it. Im not even sure how many dislikes Ive gotten total but alot of them were earlier in my youtube career when a few folks didnt know how to take me. They though I was insane or something, Ha Ha. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@tertiuspienaar3018]

Hi David,I have found myself with lots and lots of time off work now after accident.Any way I found your channel whilst I was in hospital and it has been my driving force to get better and to try bush craft.Going to be hard as only have use of one arm but i will give it a good try.Thank you so much for your video's they are truly amazing

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Tertius Pienaar I'm sorry to hear of your accident Tertius, but so happy to hear I kept your motivation up. Get well soon man and get out and try and have some fun. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool, I was always taught that all the knots in your bag of tricks should be able to be tied in the dark and, if possible, with one hand. Its good to hear you practice them. A friend of mine kept paracord in his glove box and when he was stuck in traffic he practiced knots. Thats fantastic that your Dad remembered the knots. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@scott27288]

Lots of folks would have edited that out when the Kra-Tec stick broke but not you my friend! Thanks for keeping it real. Your channel is the best.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

LOL, man it was honestly too funny to edit out! Thanks for watching Scott!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I love it and I love showing it off. You do a great job on what you make and I was happy to show it. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@michaelcanning2815]

Love your longer videos & all the knowledge they hold.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks you Michael!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Peter! If you ever get bored you may like to try out the ole treeless shelter. Just remember that the key is to wrap the rope very tight on the bipod. The trick to that set up is that the bipod structure needs to stand up on its on and not be dependent on being stuck in the ground for support. I with ya 100% on the ole knots. I wished the hanging grill had gotten to Ulrica in time to be taken on the trip. I do want to visit Sweden one day. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@wannabeMLGpro]

this was actually immeasurably helpful

[@patricianunez4025]

You are never boring and your videos are never too long!!! Always learn something new. Thank you so much.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Great to hear that Patricia!

[@yliyahhawkins9928]

Hey brother you are cool as all get out....I enjoy your videos and the relaxed way you sound like Spe Ops....Thanks Dave Great Job! .

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I know exactly what youre talking about bro. That spin does make one extremely tight wrap. I think my wrap was already pulled so tight that I would have gotten only about a quarter to maybe a half spin out of my bi legs. I love wrapping tons of rope around all my structures. Very cool that youve been doing this for 50 years. I respect that. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@brookegermond6123]

The only thing that's almost as cool as the outdoors is the gear you can use out there. My bug out bag weighs 89lbs. And honestly, I can't get it any lighter than that. I just love cool gear! Lol thanks for the video

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you like the videos. Very good to hear you have learned from me and youre back into camping. Colorado is one beautiful place to camp in. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@jodyGOMERbutler]

thanks for the KNOT GUIDE started tying and just a great APP like u said

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

You are very welcome Jody. That is one killer app!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

sounds cool brother! Im not big on fancy knots, those four do it all for me. Theres two or three variations on the taut line hitch but, I just do it the way Im used to but it works each way. Have a good weekend bro and thanks for watching my friend.

[@tiedemann8225]

Thank you for making these video`s. Like your way of being. Honest, and cool. :)

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thank you my friend! I'm happy you like the way I do things

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool, good to hear you liked the knot part. I figured alot of folks would be shocked to know that I only use four knots. I think that if you can use them to cover all your needs and you can tie them in the dark, then thats a good knot. I dont like em so fancy that I cant tie them right and make em hold. I too LOVE the taut line hitch. I use it around trees all the time for shelters. Yes, great for strapping down canoes and kayaks. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@RomeoWhiskey692]

I have tied a hammock off to a fencepost and the bumper of my jeep, in the sand hills of Texas .. nothing but sand dunes and cactus. Beat sleeping in the jeep...or on the ground with the ants, scorpions and snakes. Tallest thing for miles is a cedar post. More fourwheelin than bushcraft , but still...

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Romeo Whiskey Sounds like a great idea.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I have an LBV and I love it. All the small pockets in the front really help out on small stuff. It never ceases to amaze me how I plan on filming and then something pops up and I cant go. It would be cool to be rich and just film full time. Man, what a life. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@susannewilliams]

Just LOVE IT

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks man, its always good to hear that. The knot app is fantastic to have. Different knots are fun to play with but, theres no way I could remember all them. Theres also an animated knot app thats pretty cool too. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@ytubesucksazznow]

also you always say its too long. id rather a 4 hour video that teaches me something then 100, 1 minute videos of nothing ^^

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

APCWORLDSUXAZ I have gotten several complaints in the past about longer videos but most do like em. I try my best to pack em all full of interesting stuff when I can. Thanks for watching.

[@spiritpath1]

You need to stop thinking you are "boring".......you are very entertaining and very knowledgable! Thank you very much for all the work you do to post your skills and your wonderful sense of humor simply adds the element of "fun" to my learning. Wouldnt surprise me if one of the TV channels would want to hire you and make a "show" out of your videos.........

[@40stefanie]

Where is your girlfriend/wife and kids? Just wondering because I will have my 2 boys, mom and brother with me. I would like to know the best shelter for multiple people Thanks

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Well usually its just me or me and my son. I only know of two multiple person shelters. I'll try and film the better of the two pretty soon.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! thats very good to hear on the hammock. Lots of folks hate to see them old fish net style hammocks but I still love them. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

How very true. A lot of folks dont understand what it takes to make a entertaining video and not something thats been done a thousand times. Thanks for the support brother.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. always good to hear when a friend learns stuff from me. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@bonsaimaster205]

When I'm building bipods, tripods or more, I spin one pole completely around after the intial knots. It adds a lot of tension, and makes for a solid structure. I still use up my rope in wraps like you. I'm really enjoying your videos. I've been bushcrafting for almost 50 yr's, and still learning new or better ways to do things. Keep them coming!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thats a cool idea, funny thing, I am planning on building a Dakota pit tent pretty soon and it does involved a two piece tarp. A reflective mylar blanket glued to the inside of a tarp. Kinda like having a double wall deal, helps stop the wind. I bet this set would be warm that way. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@prepperinthewoods]

Hello Dave. I've always sharpened blade forward on diamond and stones as per 90% of the youtube vids. But until recently where my flatmate who works with leather, she sharpened blade backwards like in 30:12 of this video and now my knives are really sharp. Then she finished it off on a strop board. I don't know why everyone doesn't do it this way. They do it to sharpen razors for shaving like this so it makes sense. thanks for the videos.

[@johnny1920]

Hey Dave, I'm a 58 year old camper from Colorado, and just got back into the wilderness, I've watched a lot of videos on youtube, but I really like yours and have learned a great deal, keep up the great work

[@BAK87]

Best 44 minutes spent today. Simple but effective, the way bushcraft meant to be. Gotta love the paracord harness and keychain. And awesome neklace. Keep'em coming! Cheers

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thats a good tip. I deal with that glare all the time. It doesnt matter if its in the direct sun or under the shade of the forest canopy. Its always there. I'll give it a try. Thanks for the idea and thanks for watching my friend.

[@booster1066]

Great video as usual David! I love how you don't cut corners in your videos and explain everything in great detail. Also that part in this video about the knots I have to thank you as until watching this I never really bothered to learn any of the knots, but you gave me enough inspiration to finally start. I learned both the Taunt-Line Hitch and the Clove hitch in a matter of an hour.Thanks again!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. If I remember right, that canteen holder came from The Paracord guy from out in California. Hes a really cool guy and he has a youtube channel. I know what you mean about them guys that zip through videos, Ive seen a lot of potentially good shelter and cooking videos but they just dont give enough details. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Ralf! Im glad you liked it. Lots of folks just pitch a tarp for a roof and sleep on the ground, that works in an ideal campsite. Sometimes you cant pick a campsite so its good to know different ways to set up shelters for that area. I try to be funny but I hated to see that Cratex break, ha ha. Have fun on the trip and if you film it, sent it to me and I'll watch. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

The more simple it is, the easier it is to remember when needed. The knots guide is awesome. Take care Paulie and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Im glad I could share that one. That is truly one awesome app. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sounds good bro. Youre gonna love that Robust high Q. Its right at 1/8 in. thick and the handle is very comfortable and the sheath is perfect. I totally understand why Moras are so popular. All I need is my machete and a Mora and Im a happy camper! Hope alls well youre way man. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thats awesome man. I dont have any woods withih walking distance to my house. Its always a drive. When you try the treeless hammock, each loop around the bipod should be stretched very tight. I kinda didnt show that part but its hard to remember everything. Stretching each loop that tight makes the whole tripod style structure stand up and not collapse. Get settled in soon man. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks you, I'm glad you liked it. I do love hammocks too and carry one quite often. This is a pretty cool way of using one if there are no trees around. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! Im glad you like them. Yep, you guessed right. I was born and raised in Northwest Georgia and Ive never left this area. Good to see you here. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Cynthia! Thats always good to hear when others have learned a few things. More to come. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked the video. I didnt know they had a Mora with that in the handle. I have three Moras and none of them have that feature. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@johngray9702]

Finding your channel is one of my greatest treasures. Thank you so much for being a great teacher.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Fantastic to hear that John!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! Im glad you thought it was a good use of time. thats always good to hear. Yes, bushcraft should be simple and fun. The paracord stuff and the necklace are very cool. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Same here brother, I never worry about weight because I usually go on one nighters anyway. Ive seen the Lansky puck but havent tried it yet. I know its popular. I may get one off Amazon next time Im on there. Im glad you liked the video. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Lucas! I hope you have a happy new year too, and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! 45 year ole me is very happy to be out in the woods. Hopefully some day I can spend just as much time in their as I use to. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! Thats always a good thing to hear when people are learning stuff from me. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I got it in the mail and tried it out and it is very very cool! It seems like something you could carry for a long time and not use it up too quick. I'll use it in an upcoming video. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool, Happy Birthday R.J. I'd love to upload once a week but its hard to find time to. Some of my older videos are pretty cool and some of them are hard to do over so Im glad they are up. More planned for the future. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool! A river sand bar is a great place for this one. You can really dig the prop poles in good. Drive heavy sharpened stakes in the ground to tie off the foot end or it may slip in soft soil. The head end will work perfect. Good luck and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

That is very good to hear! I was taught this one bu one of my mentors and I dont know where he learned it from. If you ever get a chance to film the set up you should send it to this video as a video response. Thank you for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and learned some. Its hard to beat plain ole stones sometimes. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool thanks man! Im glad you learned alot. I like passing on eveything I was taught. Im trying to get out there and film more often, its just kinda hard to do, life is so busy here lately. More to come. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks man. I gotta tell ya, my Dad never took me camping we fished a few times but, no camping. I didnt camp at all until I was 19 years old and went with some friends from work. As soon as I went, I was hooked. My style of camping is not for everyone. Taking a tent and a cooler full of food and an actual stove is a fantastic way of spending the weekend. It would be nice if you dad realized how relaxing it is to camp on the weekends and get the job off his mind. Thanks for watching my friend

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Sounds cool brother. Make sure and stretch each loop of the rope as tight as you can on the bipod rope wrap. The idea is for the structure to stand up on its on without being dependent on the legs being stuck in the ground. It needs to be a firm structure with no sway. Good luck bro, and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Im glad you liked it, I had a lot of fun that day out filming and just taking it easy. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Its good to be back man. I hope to get back to regular filming pretty soon. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks man. Well as far as a pot tipping over I can easily say its the pot. Not all pots are designed with the handle in the proper location. Some hang no problem and some will dump out in two seconds. One good example that comes to mind is the little pot with a lid that comes in the Coleman mess kit. If you cooked something thick in it, it may work but boiling water or any liquid? No way, it will dump everytime. Test your pots with water before you trust them. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

One of my mentors always carried a net style hammock and I was amazed at all the different set ups there were for it. Yes, without trees, I can see how most folks think a hammock is a waste to carry. When you do the treeless set up, the most important part that I didnt stress enough is that when you wrap the rope around the bi pod be sure to stretch each loop very tight. The bi pod needs enough wrappings of rope that it can stand up on it on and not shift or fall. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@louisebailey8295]

Thank you soooooo much for the knots guide on the phone i am now trying to show my kids i love the bush and that is the best to be ready for anything love your videos keep going .From Australia

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks man! I'm glad you liked it. I suppose when most folks think of a hammock they just think of two trees. Some places have em spaced too far apart or they are all knocked down. another cool thing is this is a good way of having abed under a tarp shelter. I hate sleeping straight on the ground. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! Im glad you noticed what Im all about. Having fun. I love being outdoors and the filming is fun most of the time. Im glad you like what I do. More planned for the future. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Yep, I agree. Ive seen a hundred different ways to sharpen stuff and its best to try and use what works for you. That honing with cardboard or paper still amazes me how well it works. Thanks for watching.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! That always means alot to me. More planned for the future, I just gotta get out there and film. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brian! Man, that is one fantastic sling. It even holds the canteen eith the cup stuck on it. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! Im glad you liked it. Yes, that is the Gen. 2 SP53. The SP52 has a full flat grind and the SP53 has a saber grind. Both are awsome blades but choose one depending on how you will use it. The SP52 acts like a machete and the SP53 acts more like an axe. Hope that helps, Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Richie! I hated going so long without filming. You actually get out of the groove when not in front of the camera. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Cool! I'm glad you liked it. I try to pack as much in them as possible. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Man thats always good to hear! Its really good when an experienced outdoorsman can pick up a few tips from me. I hate seeing some of these videos about survival gear made in living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens.LOL. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@therazz07]

Thank you for this awesome video....I have been practicing my taut knots, now im a pro....lol I went camping with my dad (in his RV of course)..lol last weekend and showed him....hes 80 he remembered that after i showed him....Thanks to you my friend!!!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brian! I'm glad you liked it and learned a little from it. I have always wound up making long videos and probably couldnt make a short one even if I tried. LOL. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! Im glad you liked it. Funny how lots of times theres neat stuff that I never think about showing unless someone asks about it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@delb0y1967]

Love your videos, mistakes and all makes them so much more engaging and real than most other 'perfect take' channels. Brilliant stuff Dave :)

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Del! I show the good and the bad, that's the only way to keep it real!

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! Im glad you liked it. The cool thing about the stool is its multi use. Sit on it until the last night then throw it on the fire as firewood. It aint like youll need it if youre leaving the next morning. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I have seen that walking stick stool before and its very cool. I sometimes use sticks around here for walking poles too.. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! Im glad you liked it. I packed as much stuff in here as I could. The stool is awesome because you sit on it for days then on the last night of camp, use it as firewood. You wont need it anymore. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Paul! Its good to back in front of the ole camera. Life gets busy sometimes and filming takes a back seat. I hope to stay back with it. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Geza! Im glad you learned some stuff. Alot of these things I never think about showing unless someone asks about them .I had forgot that I never showed the stool or the hammock set up. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

I bet the robust knives are sold out because its the first very thick blade from mora. I honestly wouldnt be afraid to baton mine if I had to. I think it could take mild batoning. My first Mora was a 2000 and I love it too. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Brother! I'm glad you liked it. I have no idea why they dislike other than the fact that almost everything I do is different from what they have seen. some folks see no reason to learn anything new. Take care and Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks brother! That knot guide is awesome for if you want to learn several knots. Every once in a blue moon I do need a killick hitch so its good for those rare times for me to have the ole knots guide. I got tagged on something else so I'll probably do it before the tipis. Ive got three variations of the tipi thats totally weird, lol. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Did ya like my SHORT vid Ulrica? Ha Ha. Yes, you absolutely made a More guy outta me. I love them blades, they cant be beat. I think its awesome how the sheaths can fit together. Take care, have a great weekend and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Your welcome my friend. I always try to be positive. I dont film when Im in a grouchy mood, Ha Ha. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Always good to hear that. Most of yutube is short videos so its kinda hard to get alot of people to give the long videos a chance. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Ive seen some small umbrellas, kinda like 1 or 2 feet in diameter. I may just try to rig one up onto my tripod. Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I had a lot of fun with this one. It was good to just get out and talk. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Always good to hear! Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks man, good to hear. Im still not too sure when that tags gonna be done. Hope alls well your way, thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Yep, I live in Northwest Ga. about a 15 minute drive from the Alabama state line. Some of my videos were filmed in Alabama in the past. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. Yes, there is a way. I have the tarp on the frame and staked to the ground. I just add a smaller tarp to the overhang and stake it off higher and it keeps the rain off the fire. Kinda makes it smokey sometimes but who cares. LOL. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks Tim! good to hear, Ive learned alot from you too brother. Take care and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks! I had alot of fun with this one. Is was a perfect day to make a video. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Thanks man! Im glad you liked it and the way I do things. Yep, its all about fun. Thanks for the sub and thanks for watching my friend.

[@Reallybigmonkey1]

Im glad you like the way I set up this hammock. I also have another frame you can make without buying anything from the store. Look up my video called "Three Really Weird Teepees" and it will be the third setup. I have watched a few of your videos and you do have a lot of plant knowledge. Thanks for watching my friend.